This is a podcast for the curious. Strap yourself in for genuine dialogues with people who think deeply and are ready to tackle the big questions, such as broadcaster Terry O'Reilly, fantasy author Guy Gavriel Kay, and journalist Sally Armstrong.

Despite the constant flux and disruption of politics, the wheels
of government continue to turn. And the professionals who keep
those wheels greased (squeaky or otherwise) are often the backbone
of civil society. But there are thousands of voluntary
organizations who contribute to the public life as well --...

The subtitle of Yascha Mounk's powerful and chilling book is,
"Why Our Freedom Is in Danger and How to Save It". Mounk describes
populism and the current disruptions in our politics with a
sweeping look at polarization, economics, social media and more.
But he also exposes something deeper: the rot in our...

People don't just get their news, entertainment and friend fixes
from social media. In the digital age, there are whole universes in
which to learn, shop, explore, broadcast, develop tastes and be
creative -- to influence and be influenced. There is enormous space
not just for individuals and enterprises to grow, but...

Whether it's energy for electricity, gas for cars or ships or
militaries, fuel for heating, or plastics pretty much everywhere --
petroleum is the key ingredient for modern society. The politics of
oil and gas influence any government or business, yet the headlines
only tell part of the story. What's really going...

Today’s conversation is, I think, extremely important. We’re
talking about life and death situations for First Nations people in
Canada, and the precarious position that many indigenous people are
in because of inadequate government services. You’ve
probably...

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About the Podcast

Your weekly podcast for a world in flux.
Globalization and climate change. The rise of social media and the decline and fall of Blockbuster Video. AI and VR. Donald Trump and Flat Earthers. The world is changing so fast that we can't get a grip on how we got here, let alone where we're headed.
Join Ben Charland as he peels back the headlines to ask, what are the events, characters, forces and ideas that shape the human story today? Have things always been this nuts, or are they getting crazier by the day? Who were those barbarians that took down the Blockbuster Empire? Just what on Earth is going on?